Letter to my sweet son

Dear little one,

Happy children’s Day!

Oh! I forgot that you are yet to know the significance of this day. But then you might not read this till you go to school and learn to read. And still you will not get most of the things I am going to write here. But I will write this anyways. Because I want you to know how much I love you and care for you.

I know you will feel it’s a lie when I will wake you up with a jerk, because you are running late for school. You will hate me when I don’t allow you to go down to play, because your homework is not complete. You will think I don’t like you anymore when I will admonish you for the window pane you broke while playing cricket. But at times like this, please remember, if I don’t do this, you will not be disciplined.

You might request me or your dad for many things; some of which we will provide, some we will decline. Keep in mind that those things that we declined are either things we cannot afford, or they are not good for you. And even if you think otherwise, it is not your fault. You might not know what is good for you and what is not. But whatever you feel, please speak out loud. We don’t want to repress your wishes. And to be honest we also don’t want to fulfill all of them, just the wise ones. If you get everything so easily, you will not understand the importance of hard work.

Right now you smile whenever you see me, no matter who is holding you. That smile gives me energy to fight hundreds of battles. I hope you will smile at me when you are chatting with your college friends and I pass by. It will be good to know that you don’t shy away in front of your friends to accept me as a part of your life and that I am successful in imbibing the importance of people in your life.

Whatever happens to you in life, never give up. You are precious to us and we will never give up on you. Please don’t hesitate to discuss anything that bothers you with us. We will always be there for you. Just have faith in us. We want to create trust between us, not generation gap.

You will come across many situations where you will feel it is easier to go with the flow, even if it is wrong direction. But even if it is easier to take the easy way, don’t do anything you will not be proud of in your later life. Remember, there are many unfortunate children who are devoid of basic necessities of life, and still never leave the right path.

Dear child, I have gone through most of the situations which you will face in your life. I too felt my parents worry a little too much whenever I returned home late. I too thought they are being impossible when they denied me the permission to go on a trip when I was suffering from cold. I too felt they are being extra sensitive when I told them about my relocation to another city for training. It is when you entered my life, and then I understood their concern about my safety, my well-being. If at some point I refrain you from going anywhere or am simply uncomfortable about the idea of you going anywhere, please understand that I don’t want to tie you down. I just want you to be safe. I cannot bear the thought of being away from you just now, and it is highly unlikely to change it in future too. So when you will think I am being obstacle in your progress, I am simply being a typical possessive mother. Kindly adjust with that.

If and when you will bring home the person you have chosen as your life partner, don’t feel bad if I appear to be displeased. I might actually like the girl. It is the realization that now I have to share your affection saddens me.

Seeing you smiling, gurgling, babbling, sleeping… everything is just pure delight. The joy you give me cannot match with anything in the world. I will always love you and care for you. I might not be the best mother in the world, but I will be the best for you. Just promise me this one thing: Give whatever I will give you to your child, just double in quantity.

Someone once told me that babies choose their parents when they come to this world. If it is true, I just want to say ‘Thank you’ for choosing me. I will try not to let you down and be a good parent. I promise!!

Love,

Your mother.